Ladybugs

A group of half a million ladybugs—a record-breaking number—was found clustered together and hibernating in a barn in the United Kingdom.

Ladybugs are sometimes called "lady beetles" or "ladybird beetles."

Many farmers and gardeners buy bunches of ladybugs and set them free in their crop fields or greenhouses. The "bugs" go to work, eating lots and lots of plant-damaging aphids.

In some places, ladybugs migrate seasonally hundreds of miles—often flying to and from valleys and nearby mountains. To get to their destinations, they often rise straight up into the air and let the winds help carry them along.

Before hibernating for the winter, ladybugs may "pig out" on pollen. This puts extra fat on them—a big help in surviving the cold months.